Client Focused
With eight offices spread across California, Lozano Smith’s Local Government Practice Group provides advice in all areas of law affecting special districts, and provides specialized services in the following areas:
- Adoption of local codes and amendments to the California Fire Code
- Adoption of standards of service and Fire Code interpretations
- Annexation/detachment and modification of service boundaries
- Approval and review of loan documents and lease agreements
- Bargaining and Labor Negotiations
- Brown Act/Public Records Act issues
- California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), DTSC compliance
- Code enforcement and business/building inspections
- Development of policies, procedures and protocols
- Facilities issues
- Litigation in all areas of representation
- Matters concerning paid and volunteer fire fighters
- Pension Issues
- Personnel services, including implementation of the new Fire Fighters Procedural Bill of Rights
- Real Estate negotiations and building contracts
- Representation as general counsel
- Representation of the Fire Agencies Insurance Risk Authority (FAIRA)
- Review of contracts and agreements with other agencies (automatic aid agreements, dispatch services agreements, equipment purchases)
- Review of public records requests
Labor & Employment
We have devised and implemented a process to assist staff in reviewing requests for accommodation from employees and returning injured employees to work. We are familiar with the workers’ compensation law process and have specific expertise in the Americans with Disabilities Act. Our attorneys have experience assisting clients with the Firefighters Procedural Bill of Rights Act (FOBOR).
Other areas in which we have expertise and training include:
- Drafting of Disciplinary Charges
- Due Process Hearings
- Employee Discipline and Termination
- Employee Evaluation
- Family and Medical Leave Laws (FMLA/CFRA)
- Grievances
- Harassment and Discrimination Investigations
- Labor Negotiations
- Management and Employee Contracts
- Military Leave
- Personnel Policies
- Pre Employment Screening
- Recruitment and Hiring
- Sexual Harassment/Retaliation
- Whistle Blower Statutes
Development, Public Contracting and Public Works
Lozano Smith attorneys have drafted numerous Development Agreements, Real Estate transactions without regulatory elements, Owner Participation Agreements, Disposition and Development Agreements, Affordable Housing Agreements, and special district/civic center transactions. In addition, our attorneys are experienced with matters involving urban renewal, economic development, and Community Development Block Grant Programs.
Lozano Smith has extensive experience in all aspects of property acquisition, including reviewing, drafting and negotiating sophisticated real property transactions. These transactions have included negotiated purchases, real property exchanges with both private and public entities, acquisition through developer agreements, and eminent domain. We also have represented numerous public agencies in public property sale and leases, as well as joint use agreements. Our attorneys are very familiar with issues concerning entitlements, easements, dedications, title and survey matters and real property due diligence.
Since the firm’s inception, our attorneys have advised public agencies on the myriad of legal issues presented by the procurement of services, equipment and materials. Our attorneys are experienced in prevailing wage and public bidding requirements as they relate to municipalities and special districts. The firm’s statewide presence and internal sharing of information serves our clients and results in cost savings to them.
More than half of the attorneys on our staff manage business transactions each day, giving us the depth of experience to successfully review and advise our clients on these types of transactions. Specific areas in which we regularly provide advice and counsel include:
- Legislative and judicial actions/decisions
- Contracts (general)
- Capital Improvement Projects (construction contracts, including bidding, award and defense)
- Bid challenges
- Easements
- Deeds of trust and Leases
- Ordinances and Resolutions
- Notices and Dispositions
- Property acquisitions
Litigation
The Litigation Practice Group ensures the success and protection of its clients by specializing in:
- Personnel Disputes
- Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation
- ADA and State Disability Laws
- Section 1983 and Civil Rights
- Personal Injury and Tort Defense
- Fair Labor Standards Act
- Environmental Issues
- Administrative hearings involving grievances, unfair practice charges, layoffs and dismissals, and arbitrations
- Construction Advice and Litigation
- Traditional and Administrative Writ of Mandate